Welcome to the first post of a new series here on UBU, "What If?". You will see a bunch of random speculation based on our opinions (along with some facts) about events that never actually happened.
The first installation of "What If?" will focus on the quarterback position. (disclaimer: this is not an OMG Denard sucks, I wish he never would have come to Michigan post. So if thats what you are looking for go away). What if, after coach Carr retired, instead of hiring Rich Rodriguez, Michigan had hired a coach to carry on the Pro-Style offensive tradition of such QBs as Drew Henson, Tom Brady and Chad Henne? Who would be our starting QB right now?
First Data Point
I looked at only quarterbacks in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 recruiting classes. This would make our starting QB a red-shirt senior, true senior or junior, any of which is a reasonable assumption.
Second Data Point
As my second filter, I looked at quarterbacks ranked in the Top 15 of the Pro-style category on Rivals.com. Michigan had just come off a huge bowl win over Florida in Chad Henne's last game as a Wolverine. They had picked up the Top QB in the country the year before in Ryan Mallet who could have easily kept the on-field momentum going. So to assume that Michigan could have pulled a Top 15 QB in the following years does not seem like much of a stretch.
Notable QBs off the board: Josh Nunes (Stanford), Joe Boisture (MSU)
Remaining Pool: 45 quarterbacks
Third Data Point
The first two criteria were relatively easy, the third (and fourth) were a bit more difficult and obviously a bit more subjective. Michigan has a history of pulling great QBs from all over the country, but I made the assumption that if any of the Top 15 recruits in any of these years ended up committing to a home state school that Michigan would not have landed that player. I assumed the pull of the home state school would have been too much.
Notable QBs off the board: Matt Barkley (USC), Blaine Gabbert (Missouri), Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), Conner Wood (Texas)and AJ McCarron (Alabama)
Remaining Pool: 24 quarterbacks
Fourth Data Point
Ok, now it gets a bit more sketchy in terms of how things would have shaken out. My next assumption is that any player still available that ended up at a school that is typically considered a lower tier school and not a traditional football powerhouse would be eliminated. They may have been ranked relatively high by the scouting services, however other big time schools took passes so I assume MI would. I understand that the kids could have choosen the lesser school for any number of reasons, but I made the assumption they chose it because they had no other options.
Notable QBs off the board: Tom Savage (Rutgers)Sean Renfree (Duke), Ryan Mossakowski (Kentucky)
Remaining Pool: 15 quarterbacks
Fifth Data Point
To get back to something a bit more data oriented and help further narrow down the pool of candidates I turned to the physical stature of the players. Knowing that the preferrence would be to have a quarterback who has a tall stature and can stand in the pocket and make the throws over the OL, I chose to eliminate all QBs who were not taller than 6'2".
Notable QBs off the board: Aaron Murray (Georgia), Tajh Boyd (Clemson), Jake Heaps (BYU)
Remaining Pool: 10 quarterbacks
Sixth Data Point
To get down to a manageable list I felt I had to do one more elimination. For the final elimination I looked at the offer list and articles about the remaining 10 recruits to understand if they had childhood favorites, family in the area etc that would have been a tough final obstacle for Michigan to over come. The follow quartbacks were eliminated: Star Jackson (Alabama - 2nd choice was a RR led WVU, non-typical pro-style passer), Drew Allen (Oklahoma - Grew up Texas and Big12 fan, 3-star), Blake Bell (Oklahoma - From Kansas, but life long Sooner Fan), Zach Lee (LSU - Also given the opportunity to play baseball at LSU)and Taylor Graham (Ohio State - Grew up a Buckeye fan)
And the final list of who could have been Michigan's QB this year...
Dayne Crist (Notre Dame): Had Michigan offer and was previously being recruited by Carr. Was ok with leaving home in California.
Andrew Luck (Stanford): Played high school football in Texas, wanted to go to a school that had great academics. Committed to former Michigan QB Jim Harbaugh
Landry Jones (Oklahoma): Grew up loving Big12, but other two finalists were Colorado and UCLA. Michigan could have been in there.
Tyler Bray (Tennessee): California kid, who wanted to leave home and play for a football powerhouse.
Andrew Hendrix (Notre Dame): Ohio kid who had OSU and ND as finalists.
Would you have complained about any of them, assuming we would not have switched offenses for a few years?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Yes, this conversation really happened....
Hello from Dallas!
So last night we ended up a nice local place called Humperdink's. Picture an upscale Chili's that brews its own beer. If you ever wind up in the Arlington area you should check it out. But what ever you do, don't order the fried pickles!
The scene was pretty cool, and you knew there was a football game in town. Place was packed with Michigan and Bama fans, with the edge easily going to the Maize and Blue. It seemed that rounds of Hail to the Victors and Roll Tide were being traded all night. So with the lively atmosphere and ahem, 100oz towers of beer, it was a prime breeding ground for really really dumb football conversations. I would like to recap one for you...(I will not disclose the names of the participants in order to save some of their street cred)
"This Bama game is the biggest game for Michigan Football since the 97 national championship. You do WHATEVER you can to win"
"Even if that means running Denard 40 times to risk him getting hurt and risking the Big 10 season?"
"Absolutely"
On the face, this question seems ridiculous, but there were actually a few legit nuggets that were discussed. First with no Fitz, it becomes obvious that the burden to win today's game lies more heavily on DRob. So what if the game is close going into the 4th? Does Hoke let Denard loose? Or does he keep him out of harms way by calling pass plays or giving the ball to Rawls? Personally I think you have to just let him play.
The second point was regarding team psyche. What would be worse for the team, losing their leader in game one, or giving up on a game to save the rest of the season? I have to think that this team wouldn't like giving up. They are too competitive, too tough to roll over even if a Big 10 championship is the teams ultimate goal.
What was the point of all that? I don't know, but I figured I had to blog from Dallas!
Hey, I want to go tailgate, be happy I even thought of you all.
#goblue #beatbama
So last night we ended up a nice local place called Humperdink's. Picture an upscale Chili's that brews its own beer. If you ever wind up in the Arlington area you should check it out. But what ever you do, don't order the fried pickles!
The scene was pretty cool, and you knew there was a football game in town. Place was packed with Michigan and Bama fans, with the edge easily going to the Maize and Blue. It seemed that rounds of Hail to the Victors and Roll Tide were being traded all night. So with the lively atmosphere and ahem, 100oz towers of beer, it was a prime breeding ground for really really dumb football conversations. I would like to recap one for you...(I will not disclose the names of the participants in order to save some of their street cred)
"This Bama game is the biggest game for Michigan Football since the 97 national championship. You do WHATEVER you can to win"
"Even if that means running Denard 40 times to risk him getting hurt and risking the Big 10 season?"
"Absolutely"
On the face, this question seems ridiculous, but there were actually a few legit nuggets that were discussed. First with no Fitz, it becomes obvious that the burden to win today's game lies more heavily on DRob. So what if the game is close going into the 4th? Does Hoke let Denard loose? Or does he keep him out of harms way by calling pass plays or giving the ball to Rawls? Personally I think you have to just let him play.
The second point was regarding team psyche. What would be worse for the team, losing their leader in game one, or giving up on a game to save the rest of the season? I have to think that this team wouldn't like giving up. They are too competitive, too tough to roll over even if a Big 10 championship is the teams ultimate goal.
What was the point of all that? I don't know, but I figured I had to blog from Dallas!
Hey, I want to go tailgate, be happy I even thought of you all.
#goblue #beatbama
Saturday, August 25, 2012
8/25 Michigan Practice. From a fan's perspective
Hey all,
Been a long time... cough cough: a year and a half since I fired up the blog.
Today I had the opportunity to go and see a live Michigan practice, so I thought I would share some of the notes I took at the scrimmage.
The practice pretty much resembled the Spring Game, but with fewer actual plays and more position drills. It was held in the Big House and there were probably a few hundred people who were lucky enough to watch. So, I will try to give you Michigan fans my perspective on the day as a fan. I will try to put this is some order, but please forgive me if I am jumping around.
The Good
- Will Hagerup was BOOMING punts. He kicked one from the 40yd line that crossed mid field and landed out the back of the opposite endzone. 70yds in the air.
-Thomas Gordon is a freaking monster, couldn't believe how rock solid he is.
-#1 OL unit when the team was running plays was Lewan, Kalis, Barnum, Omameh and Schofield. When the #2 OL came in, Gunderson and Magnuson were the OTs.
-Kalis also came in with the #2's. Seems like they are giving him as much work as he can handle. Noticed Lewan talking to him on almost every play, mentoring him.
-#1 DL unit was Roh, Washington, Campbell and Black (As Montgomery stated in the B1G special)
-BOLD PREDICTION OF THE DAY: Devin Funchess will see major time this year and will be special by the time he leaves UM. He was all over the field with the #1's and caught a few really nice deep balls. He could be a match-up nightmare for a LB or safety.
The Bad
-Front the center-to-QB snap drills, it seems to me that Ricky Barnum was the only center who looks physically ready to play. The others seemed so small. Jack Miller seemed to be a distant second. If Barnum goes down for any reason, this position could be a problem.
-I debated where to put this, but Mario Ojemudia played an awful lot with the #1's. Quick off the ball no doubt and I think has a bright future, but man is he small. If he has to play, he will be a liability on run plays and will be torn up by OL.
-As a follow-up, Frank Clark dressed, but didnt see him on the field at all. (could have missed him)
-None of the WR impressed me all that much. Gardner looked the part and was silky smooth running routes. But he dropped some balls (as did Jerald Robinson). We will see what we have with DG the first time he gets hit by a safety coming across the middle.
-Didnt see either Darboh or Chesson with the #1's (or #2's, for that matter) in the final scrimmage portion of the practice.
The Funny & Weird
-The kickers came out first. If I didn't have a printed roster to check numbers I probably would not have been able to tell that Brendan Gibbons was actually Brendan Gibbons. He was as thick as a linebacker and had the craziest mountain man hair.
-Craig Roh wins the award for, "What the hell were you thinking uniform modification". He had shorts on that were so short, Charles Barkley would have been embarrased.
-At least twice when the offense was running plays, they were blasting "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. The boos from the fans were hilarious.
-On one offense-only play, the team ran a "Hook and Ladder" with Dileo and (if I remember correctly) Smith.
-After sets of drills, the team had to run from one side of the field to the other. On one such run, Bellomy blew by Denard (who was just jogging) and said something to him as he ran by. The next time they did this Bellomy tried the same thing. Denard wasnt having it and blew by him. Funny stuff.
Injury Updates (from a non-doctor)
- Roy Roundtree was out there running routes at what appeared to be full speed. Didn't see any hesitation in his cuts.
- Chris Wormley was in street clothes with a brace and seemed to be walking normally. He is still obviously out, just good to see him in a normal state.
-Chris Bryant had a big cast on his leg and was on crutches. Spent the entire practice on the sidelines by the teammates. After the game he made his way towards the tunnel where he was met by who I assume are his mom and dad. There was a pretty cool moment when both coach Hoke and Funk went over to talk to the Bryants. Hugs all around. You can tell the family was in love with the coaches.
Been a long time... cough cough: a year and a half since I fired up the blog.
Today I had the opportunity to go and see a live Michigan practice, so I thought I would share some of the notes I took at the scrimmage.
The practice pretty much resembled the Spring Game, but with fewer actual plays and more position drills. It was held in the Big House and there were probably a few hundred people who were lucky enough to watch. So, I will try to give you Michigan fans my perspective on the day as a fan. I will try to put this is some order, but please forgive me if I am jumping around.
The Good
- Will Hagerup was BOOMING punts. He kicked one from the 40yd line that crossed mid field and landed out the back of the opposite endzone. 70yds in the air.
-Thomas Gordon is a freaking monster, couldn't believe how rock solid he is.
-#1 OL unit when the team was running plays was Lewan, Kalis, Barnum, Omameh and Schofield. When the #2 OL came in, Gunderson and Magnuson were the OTs.
-Kalis also came in with the #2's. Seems like they are giving him as much work as he can handle. Noticed Lewan talking to him on almost every play, mentoring him.
-#1 DL unit was Roh, Washington, Campbell and Black (As Montgomery stated in the B1G special)
-BOLD PREDICTION OF THE DAY: Devin Funchess will see major time this year and will be special by the time he leaves UM. He was all over the field with the #1's and caught a few really nice deep balls. He could be a match-up nightmare for a LB or safety.
The Bad
-Front the center-to-QB snap drills, it seems to me that Ricky Barnum was the only center who looks physically ready to play. The others seemed so small. Jack Miller seemed to be a distant second. If Barnum goes down for any reason, this position could be a problem.
-I debated where to put this, but Mario Ojemudia played an awful lot with the #1's. Quick off the ball no doubt and I think has a bright future, but man is he small. If he has to play, he will be a liability on run plays and will be torn up by OL.
-As a follow-up, Frank Clark dressed, but didnt see him on the field at all. (could have missed him)
-None of the WR impressed me all that much. Gardner looked the part and was silky smooth running routes. But he dropped some balls (as did Jerald Robinson). We will see what we have with DG the first time he gets hit by a safety coming across the middle.
-Didnt see either Darboh or Chesson with the #1's (or #2's, for that matter) in the final scrimmage portion of the practice.
The Funny & Weird
-The kickers came out first. If I didn't have a printed roster to check numbers I probably would not have been able to tell that Brendan Gibbons was actually Brendan Gibbons. He was as thick as a linebacker and had the craziest mountain man hair.
-Craig Roh wins the award for, "What the hell were you thinking uniform modification". He had shorts on that were so short, Charles Barkley would have been embarrased.
-At least twice when the offense was running plays, they were blasting "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. The boos from the fans were hilarious.
-On one offense-only play, the team ran a "Hook and Ladder" with Dileo and (if I remember correctly) Smith.
-After sets of drills, the team had to run from one side of the field to the other. On one such run, Bellomy blew by Denard (who was just jogging) and said something to him as he ran by. The next time they did this Bellomy tried the same thing. Denard wasnt having it and blew by him. Funny stuff.
Injury Updates (from a non-doctor)
- Roy Roundtree was out there running routes at what appeared to be full speed. Didn't see any hesitation in his cuts.
- Chris Wormley was in street clothes with a brace and seemed to be walking normally. He is still obviously out, just good to see him in a normal state.
-Chris Bryant had a big cast on his leg and was on crutches. Spent the entire practice on the sidelines by the teammates. After the game he made his way towards the tunnel where he was met by who I assume are his mom and dad. There was a pretty cool moment when both coach Hoke and Funk went over to talk to the Bryants. Hugs all around. You can tell the family was in love with the coaches.
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